March Madness & Aldi Fun Finds — Both Slam Dunks for Belmont at Park Bridge!
Just like everybody’s a little bit Irish on St. Patrick’s Day, everybody’s got a bracket when March Madness rolls around. That’s why Belmont at Park Bridge in Alpharetta, Georgia, asked *the Idea Specialists™* for some slam-dunk suggestions on how to celebrate both this month. Ramadan is also taking place during March, and while it of course is a very serious observance, it comes to a close with its own celebration—Eid al-Fitr. Fellowship, Food & Fun Finds! From shamrocks to the Sweet 16, and whether it’s green beer and corned beef or “Courtside Punch” and chicken wings, the things all good March parties have in common are fellowship and food. The Idea Specialists™ plan to take their shopping lists to the ALDI in the North Bridges Shopping Center to stock up on staples and sweets. They have learned about so many good frozen foods and specialty items and gotten so many great recipe ideas from being members of the ALDI Aisle of Shame Community on Facebook! And of course there’s nothing “shameful” about it! The name really refers to the area in the center of the store that is packed with what the grocer refers to as “ALDI Finds,” a rotating stock of limited-edition, often seasonally themed items. It’s also a prime spot to score dupes of popular name-brand products, at a fraction of the price. Who wouldn’t cheer for that? Gameday Gatherings When it comes to watching the NCAA men’s basketball tournament, this year, you might want to enjoy the home court advantage that comes with having the South Regional Sweet 16 and Elite 8 games played at State Farm Arena (Georgia Tech is hosting). You also can plan to have a few folks over to enjoy the roundball action in the comfort of your luxury apartment home, or take advantage of the wonderful spaces in Belmont at Park Bridge clubhouse to cheer on your faves with your neighbors and friends. Decorate your drinks and spear your appetizers (served in hoop-designed snack cups!) with these fun basketball-themed cocktail picks the Idea Specialists™ found. It always adds an extra level of excitement when you’re competing against friends, so get yourself a bracket going! There doesn’t have to be any money on the line—it can be all about the bragging rights! You can also play around with non-sports brackets to get the non-fans involved—movies, music, and more, the list goes on and on. Check out this post for more ideas. The Wearing Of The Green While once thought of as primarily a day of Catholic religious observance to honor Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, in modern times St. Patrick’s Day is more about the wearing of green clothing and celebrating all things Irish! Faith and begorrah! This year all ye lads, lassies, and li’l leprechauns can sham-ROCK the night away Friday, March 14, at Luck of Avalon on The Plaza. The fun will begin at 6 p.m. and include: Live music from Will and The Exclamation! A traditional performance from Drake Irish Dance Alpharetta Pipes & Drums performance with The Atlanta Pipe Band Bars featuring themed-cocktails & more Paddy’s Day-themed airbrush designs A festive photo-op moment Patrick’s Day swag Ramadan & Eid al-Fitr Eid al-Fitr, a day celebrated by Muslims worldwide, marks the conclusion of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting. In Ramadan, Muslims commemorate the revelation of the Qur’an, and fast from food and drink during the sunlit hours as a means of drawing closer to God and cultivating self-control, gratitude, and compassion for those less fortunate. It’s also a highly social time, as people invite each other to breakfast together and meet for prayers at the mosque. In 2025, Eid al-Fitr is expected to be celebrated on either Sunday, March 30, or Monday, March 31, depending on the sighting of the moon. This day signifies the end of fasting and serves as a time for reflection, gratitude, and community bonding. Eid al-Fitr means “Festival of Breaking the Fast,” and two favorite items usually on the menu are Sheer Khurma, a creamy and flavorful vermicelli pudding, and ma’amoul, Lebanese date cookies. The Idea Specialists™ can testify that both are delicious! * The Idea Specialists™ * The Idea Specialists™ is a group of design and inspiration professionals with a focus on communications for the luxury apartment home industry, as well as custom lifestyle planning and more.
Sweets for Your Sweetie This Valentine’s Day
From initial spark to hot flame, brightly burning fire to softly glowing embers, true love and romance is worth celebrating at all of its stages. That’s why the Belmont at Park Bridge luxury apartment home community in Alpharetta, Georgia, asked the *Idea Specialists™* for suggestions on making this Valentine’s Day a memorable one. A Killer Idea The first thing they said is that Ray’s at Killer Creek (off Mansell Road) is always a good choice for marking a special occasion. And this year, for Valentine’s Day they are offering a special prix fixe dinner menu, with special salads and entrée offerings ranging from salmon Oscar to charbroiled filet. The Idea Specialists are already saving room for their dessert choice—warm butter cake! Pink Drink Fun! Another great choice for this Valentine’s Day is The Cape Restaurant & Beach Bar in Avalon. In addition to their special menu, they’ve got a simply groovy house cocktail menu, which includes the Snowcap—a fun pink drink with strawberry-infused gin, aloe liqueur, pink peppercorn, and club soda. And there’s champagne, of course! Cheers! Love & Light The Idea Specialists™ love the idea of keeping the love going with another date night after Valentine’s Day. That’s why they’re planning to attend a special Love and Light performance by the Alpharetta Symphony at Alpharetta Methodist Church Friday, February 21, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. You and your sweetheart will be thrilled with a selection of lighthearted, yet tender, staples of classical music. “Once the first chords hit you, you’ll recognize these tunes, although the names may not be as familiar. Featuring the heart-wrenching Pavane by Ravel, the joyous “Can-Can” from Orpheus in the Underworld, and the ultimate musical representation of true, unabashed love—Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet.” Other Ideas For other ideas about how to celebrate in the city, check out Awesome Alpharetta. And The Knot has a fun list—95 Romantic, Unique and Spicy Valentine’s Day Ideas for Every Couple. Sweet Dreams Are Made of This And speaking of chocolate….. Oh, my, but did the Idea Specialists™ come through for Belmont at Park Bridge with suggestions on this front! They hit the jackpot when they found this Food Network post on best buys for Valentine’s Day. Favorites? First up is the Salts of the World Chocolate Collection; each of these chocolates celebrates a different country and features salt, ingredients, and a wildflower all native to that country. So cool! Then there’s the Belgian Chocolate Covered Mini Doughnut Bouquet. Flowers are nice, but could anything really beat a beautifully packaged bouquet of chocolate-covered mini doughnuts? Then, for the vegan Valentines out there, the Idea Specialists™ recommend that you go with the Berry Bouquet Vegan Chocolate Box from Compartés. It is packed with raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, goji berries, cranberries and cherries, all dipped in absurdly good vegan dark chocolate. Kids & Puppies The Idea Specialists™ also gave The Belmont at Park Bridge team a cute suggestion on how to celebrate the little lovies in your life—a cute mini-waffle maker! You can make kid-sized waffles in a heart shape perfect for Valentine’s Day morning—or as a dessert treat with ice cream and hot fudge! (Pro Tip: Add a little pink or red food coloring to the batter for that extra flair.) And because they know that Belmont at Park Bridge is a very pet-friendly apartment community, complete with pet stations throughout the property, the Idea Specialists™ made it a point to share some info on animal safety. Each year the experts at the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) see a rise in cases around February 14, many involving chocolate or lilies. Valentine’s Day can be as much fun for pets as it is for humans—as long as dangerous items are kept out of paws’ reach! * The Idea Specialists™ * The Idea Specialists™ is a group of design and inspiration professionals with a focus on communications for the luxury apartment home industry, as well as custom lifestyle planning and more.
Those Little Special Somethings
One Change To Make In Each Room To Make Your Life Better In 2025 Bedroom Magic The bright and airy bedrooms at the Belmont at Park Bridge luxury apartment home community in Alpharetta are just brimming with design potential! One way to maximize the natural light from their windows is with a large mirror to reflect that gorgeous Georgia sunshine and get your day off to a pleasant start. Like magic, it will make the already spacious rooms seem even larger! The *Idea Specialists™* love the idea of leaning an oversized arched mirror against a wall (no nail holes!!). From ornate to Midcentury Modern the styles abound, but you really can’t go wrong with classic black (available from Amazon). Bathroom Beautiful Tired of reaching for your toothpaste only to knock over your deodorant and lotion because your bathroom vanity has gotten so cluttered? It’s easy to get organized and beautify your surroundings with all of the container options available now, especially if you follow some of the tips in this House Beautiful piece! Some faves: Don’t double up! Buy cleaning supplies when you need them, instead of stockpiling. And keep them in a convenient caddy! Declutter once a season. Do you really wear the same lipstick in June that you do in November? No. So store stuff accordingly. And speaking of lipstick, check out this groovy rotating cosmetics display case! Kitchen Confidential You can instantly liven up your space, add warmth, and protect the floors in your kitchen by adding a colorful or patterned area rug or runner. The great thing about this change is that it’s almost the ultimate in temporary decoration—you can rotate rugs with the seasons without spending very much money so your culinary space stays fresh. (Like your vegetables, we hope!) Ruggable has unbeatable selections, easy-to-swap styles, and—best of all—their products are machine-washable! Good Housekeeping has everything you need to know before you buy in this post. Den Delights When it comes to choosing lamps for your den, the options can seem endless. Before you make a decision, think about how you’re using the various spaces in the room. Do you need task lighting for an area you’ve dedicated as a work space? A table lamp by the couch for reading? Once you know, then consider your color and style options. The Idea Specialists™ recently found this great combination floor lamp and end table. And, if you, too, are not a fan of visible cords, you can take your pick of colors with these affordable decorative covers. The Idea Specialists™ recently discovered Lamp & Shade Lighting City on South Main, an easy 10-minute or so drive from Belmont at Park Bridge, and could spend just hours talking with their team about decorating options (including delightful lighting, of course!). Balcony Bonus One of the great things about living at Belmont at Park Bridge is the option of having a private balcony. One easy way to bring color and comfort to the space is by adding greenery with potted plants, hanging planters, or even faux plants for a touch of nature. Artificial plant bonus: No worries about watering or changes in the weather! The Idea Specialists™ recently used a luxe combo of pots of trailing variegated String Of Hearts from Pottery Barn and traditional ferns by House of Silk Flowers (from Bed Bath & Beyond) to soften corners and enliven a balcony. For other ideas, check out great tips on selecting faux plants from The Spruce. Community Calendar Looking to get out and about to shake off the winter blues? Awesome Alpharetta doesn’t ever disappoint! Check out these sites for all your options: – Alpharetta Event Calendar – Patch – Sulekha Events * The Idea Specialists™ * The Idea Specialists™ is a group of design and inspiration professionals with a focus on communications for the luxury apartment home industry, as well as custom lifestyle planning and more.
Festive Holiday Cooking & Entertaining: Big Cheer for Clever Entertaining at Belmont Park Bridge, Alpharetta, GA
Who says you need to be a pro to host a holiday bash? With fun recipes and clever decorating tricks, even YOU can transform your home into a festive wonderland this holiday season. We asked the Idea Specialists© for their recommendations for high-impact low-effort entertaining and here is what they said… Let’s start with the food. Easy Recipes for the Star Host Glazed Maple Dijon Salmon Swap the classic roast for something sleek and simple. Brush salmon fillets with maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and a splash of soy sauce. Bake for 15 minutes and serve with pre-steamed green beans. It’s elegant, delicious, and practically effortless. Holiday Charcuterie Cups Skip the giant grazing boards and opt for individual charcuterie cups. Fill small glasses or paper cones with cheese cubes, nuts, cured meats, and festive touches like rosemary sprigs or cranberries. They’re portable, Instagram-worthy, and perfect for mingling. Mini Yule Log Brownies Bake brownie batter in a loaf pan, then slice and roll pieces into mini logs. Frost with chocolate ganache, dust with powdered sugar, and top with candy holly. These bite-sized treats are as show-stopping as they are easy to make. Décor That Wows in Small Spaces Twinkle with Lights: String fairy lights along bookshelves, doorframes, or around a mirror to create a warm, inviting glow. Bonus: they double as mood lighting. Mini Centerpieces: Fill mason jars with ornaments, cranberries, or pinecones. Top with a tea light for an affordable and chic decoration. Maximize Vertical Space: Hang wreaths or garlands on walls or doors to add holiday cheer without taking up floor space. Pro Tips for Stress-Free Hosting Make It Interactive: Let guests garnish their drinks with cranberries, citrus slices, or candy canes at a DIY holiday drink station. Or serve up a pitcher of White Chocolate Christmas Margaritas and garnish with cranberries and rosemary. Here’s the recipe: https://charmingcocktails.com/white-christmas-margarita/ Prep Ahead: Choose recipes that can be made the day before so you can enjoy the party too. Small Touches, Big Impact: Personalized place cards or festive napkins add an elegant touch without much effort. Apartment living doesn’t mean you have to downsize your holiday dreams. With these easy recipes, clever décor ideas, and hosting hacks, you’ll be the toast of the season. So, crank up the holiday playlist, pour some spiced cider, and get ready to entertain like a pro! Enjoy Michael Bublé – Best Christmas Songs (Yule Log Fireplace)
Let’s Talk Turkey …And Dressing!
The Idea Specialists™ at Belmont at Park Bridge in Alpharetta, Georgia, are already getting excited about Thanksgiving! They’re once again having the great “stuffing vs dressing” debate, researching all things cranberry, and making sure they’ve signed up for the annual Turkey Trot. And this year, they’re also going to try something new to them—tandoori turkey! Veterans Day But before Thanksgiving comes Veterans Day, which honors U.S. veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good. In Alpharetta, American Legion Post 201 will celebrate with its eighth annual Cruz-In Car Show Saturday, November 9, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This FREE event will feature everything from classic to muscle cars, music, activities for the kiddos, and hamburgers, hotdogs, and Brunswick stew. Oh, and of course some barbecue. More Upcoming Events Even before Veterans Day there is plenty of fun to be had in Awesome Alpharetta, especially at the new Helium Comedy Club at Winward Plaza. Make plans now to be in the audience for Halal Hilarity Wednesday, November 6, 2024 (doors open at 7 p.m., show starts at 8 p.m.). Organized by Philadelphia native comedians Usman Habib and Moses The Comic, this remarkable groundbreaking showcase brings together an ensemble of internationally renowned Muslim comedians for what promises to be a night of non-stop laughter and unforgettable entertainment. Later in the month, the winter holiday season will get going full force with the lighting of the 50-foot downtown Alpharetta Christmas tree in Park Plaza Saturday, November 23, 2024, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. (actual ceremony at 6:30 p.m.). Enjoy live music, snow flurries, vignettes from Metropolitan Ballet Theatre’s The Nutcracker, sing-alongs, and more! And, Santa Claus and friends will make a guest appearance! November 23rd is also when Alpharetta’s Annual Holiday Food Drive starts. Residents and businesses are invited to donate non-perishable goods to the North Fulton Community Charities (NFCC) Food Pantry. You can drop off items at seven Alpharetta locations during business hours or place any time on four of the wooden trees placed in downtown. That’s also the date for the Arts Alpharetta Artists’ Holiday Market—a perfect place to find some unique gifts to give this year! The Thanksgiving Table So, dressing or stuffing? What’s the difference? The Belmont at Park Bridge Idea Specialists™ will let you in on a secret—they actually like both! And there’s no way they’re going to try to settle the great debate about what the difference is…..they’ll let certain culinary experts do that. Instead, knowing full well that everybody thinks their grandma’s recipe is best, they’re sharing two they like: Southern Living’s Cornbread Dressing and Food & Wine’s Mushroom-and-Chestnut Stuffing with Giblets. Either would go great with tandoori turkey, a culinary delight that combines the best of East Indian flavors with that perennial American favorite roasted bird. Just think about the tandoori chicken you had on Diwali earlier this month—same concept! Cranberry Creations Another perennial American favorite at Thanksgiving is cranberry sauce. Some people swear by homemade, others prefer it right out of that familiar comforting can. Another popular spin is cranberry chutney, a sweet, spicy, and tangy blend of cranberries cooked with a mix of Indian spices like cumin, coriander, and a touch of cayenne. Yep, you guessed it—it pairs beautifully with tandoori turkey! This is also the time to try out some different cranberry juice mock- and cocktails while gathering in your luxe Belmont at Park Bridge apartment home. The Ginger Shandy (another name for a Cranberry Mule) is a perfect mix of sweet, zest, and effervescence that nicely balances out the heavy holiday foods (we’re looking at you, macaroni and cheese, and sweet potato casserole!). Gobble, Gobble! No, wait—it’s the Gobble Wobble! Alpharetta’s ninth annual Thanksgiving Day 5K/10K and Fun Run. Sign the whole family up to make memories Thursday, November 28, 2024. Connect with the community, enjoy the outdoors, and kick off Thanksgiving with a sense of accomplishment and camaraderie. All races will start at Halcyon, the earliest at 7:45 a.m.
Live & Local, Fall Fun & Football
Dear Residents, As summer winds down and we welcome the first day of Autumn, we have an exciting event lined up for September! National Coffee Day: Mark your calendars for September 27th! We’re celebrating National Coffee Day with a special event at the clubhouse. Come enjoy a variety of coffee and some tasty snacks. For more details on what’s happening locally this month, be sure to read the rest of our blog. There are plenty of events and activities in the area that you won’t want to miss! Looking forward to seeing you at these events and around the community! Wishing you a Happy Fall! Sonya Sandoval, Community Manager LOOKING AHEAD TO SOMETHING LIVE & LOCAL With fall comes football, and with football comes the fun of tailgating with family and friends! But before we get to dishing the goods on tailgate goodies, the Belmont at Park Bridge Idea Specialists™ want to talk about having some other kinds of fun in and around awesome Alpharetta, Georgia. Go ahead and mark your calendars now for Alpharetta’s Wire & Woods Songwriters Festival, planned for October 11-12, 2024. This FREE event will feature two headliners (Sixpence None the Richer Friday night and Neal Francis Saturday evening), and more than 30 performances across multiple stages throughout downtown. Should be a blast for everyone from nani and dadi to the kids! Then, the next weekend there is another FREE community event—the Boo Bash! Head over to Wills Park wearing your family-friendly costumes from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, October 19, 2024. The littles can get their treat bags, and everybody can play games, dance, and watch a movie when the sun goes down. POPULAR GAMEDAY GOODIES Now, back to football! Whether you’re going to an NFL game with colleagues or watching ESPN and rooting for your favorite college team out of the weather and in the sumptuous comfort of your apartment home at Belmont at Park Bridge in Alpharetta, Georgia, you’ll want to make sure to have plenty of tasty treats on hand to satisfy family and friends. And yourself, of course! PICKLES & VEG Google for gameday goodies and you’ll find that pickles are really hot this fall—especially when you serve them cold in this Duke’s Mayo Pickle Dip. The Idea Specialists™ love the idea of putting this on burgers and hot dogs, using it for a different kind of chicken nugget sauce, and of course just eating it on some chips or crackers. Check out more sweet and sour food for thought in Delish’s 53 Pickle Recipes You Never Knew You Needed. Looking for some ideas for good vegetarian party foods? Take a look at Spoon University for some great videos on spicy snacks—from vegan wings (easy vegetable pakoras) to vada pav (basically Indian veggie burgers, only way better). COOLER CONCOCTIONS, DESI-STYLE Soft drinks, waters, beers, and spritzers are all cooler staples. Treat your guests to a little something extra with some restaurant-style mango lassi, which you can make ahead in a large lidded pitcher or non-glass beverage dispenser for easy transport. Masala & Chai has recipes for some other drinks that are sure to be crowd-pleasers (like the ice pumpkin cream chai latte!). TAKEAWAY TIME No time to get in your gourmet Belmont at Park Bridge kitchen before the next get-together? No worries! Madras Chettinaad on State Bridge Road has an incredible catering menu, with everything from the basics like samosa chaat, tandoori chicken, and puri to special veg and non-veg curries. And, of course, gulab jamun for dessert! Yummy! GAMEDAY MUST-HAVE The Belmont at Park Bridge Idea Specialists™ know from experience that while it’s all fun and games on the field, collegiate and pro stadiums don’t play around when it comes to fan do’s and don’ts. One of the biggies is making sure that any bag you take in with you meets guidelines. These days you can go to Amazon and spend about as much or as little as you’d like on a bag. The ET website has the skinny; the Specialists are going with the imminently practical LOXOMU crossbody bag. (But this acrylic WJCD bag that comes in SO many colors and has a removable chain looks like so much fun! Maybe both?) Go Team!
Belmont Park Bridge Apartments is the Perfect Place for an End-of-Summer Staycation! Celebrate the Last Days of Summer Exploring Alpharetta!
Dear Residents, Even though it’s nearing the end of the summer season, we hope you’ve had a fantastic time and will be able to reflect on good vibes and special memories—especially those created here at Belmont Park Bridge Apartment Community! And speaking of good vibes, we’re excited to announce some upcoming events that we think you’ll love. REGISTER TO WIN A BACK TO SCHOOL BACKPACK From July 26th through August 1st, swing by the office for a chance to win a backpack filled with back-to-school goodies! It’s our way of helping you kick off the school year in style. NATIONAL LEMONADE DAY Then, on August 20th, join us for National Lemonade Day! We’ll be serving up refreshing lemonade in the office all day, so swing by to cool off and enjoy a sweet treat. We’ll also have lemonade ready for the kids when they get off the bus! Of course, there is always something new in our Little Free Library. Share with us what you read this summer. As always, if you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out to our friendly team. Now—read on to learn more about what’s happening in Alpharetta in August—and let’s talk about STAYCATIONS! EXPLORING ALPHARETTA Awesome Alpharetta does an excellent job of keeping a current running list of the many wonderful FREE local activities you can take advantage of during your staycation—or any other time, for that matter. From hiking and biking to art and history, there’s something for everybody to enjoy. If you haven’t been already, now might be the time to spend a day at Wills Park on Old Milton Parkway and Wills Road. Belmont Park Bridge is a very pet-friendly community, so the Belmont at Park Bridge Idea Specialists™ were pleased to be reminded of Waggy World, the dog park there. MAKING THE BEST OF YOUR STAYCATION The American Automobile Association (AAA) says the key to a good staycation is remembering that you’re on vacation, which can be hard to do when you’re staying home. They offer a few tips for planning: Stop daily chores and routines. Focus on activities you wouldn’t normally do. Select activities that relax you and bring you joy. Have a plan, even if it’s a loose one. Set a budget and stick to it. Of course the loose plan the Belmont at Park Bridge Idea Specialists™ have come up with involves hanging (with some sparkling cocktails) at the convenient community pool. And not only is it convenient, it and the sun deck and all of the landscaping and common areas are always so gorgeous and clean! We owe this to the exceptional work of our service team members, which is why we’re going the extra mile to honor them by declaring August as Maintenance Appreciation Month. Both AAA and Apartments.com have some great ideas about ways to spend your staycation. One suggestion is to cook a fancy meal. And sure, that’s always easy to do in your well-appointed apartment home kitchen, but the Idea Specialists™ have been amusing themselves lately by watching TikToks on private chefs in the Hamptons, which gave them an idea…… YOUR OWN PERSONAL CHEF Why not hire a personal chef for your staycation? Atlanta Personal Chef Service can prepare delicious dinners in their own kitchen or yours. They offer everything from weekly meal services to tasting menus, with special events in between! And if you’re going to enjoy lovely meals, why not splurge a little and get some lovely new linens to freshen up your dining table? ELLE Decor has turned the Idea Specialists™ on to the Ridhi brand of boho-inspired linens (handmade!) in all manner of summery patterns and prints. According to the site, “You can score a set of printed cloth napkins for just $26, tablecloths starting at $53, and placemats for under $40 (all on Amazon), allowing you to create the colorful tablescape of your dreams without breaking the bank.” FAMILY SUMMER MOVIE MARATHON Another good idea for an August staycation is a family summer movie marathon. A google search (the Idea Specialists™ do so love to search!) shows that the Pioneer Woman has a popular post up: “30 Best Summer Movies for Kids That Are Almost as Fun as Being Outside” One of those is that all-time classic The Karate Kid, starring Ralph Macchio. It doesn’t matter whether your gang is caught up on all six series of Cobra Kai or not, it’s still worth the watch—or re-watch! BACK TO SCHOOL School seems to start earlier and earlier every year, doesn’t it? These days getting the kids ready to go back to class means familiarizing yourself with their different schools’ websites. Belmont at Park Bridge is located in the prestigious North Fulton County School District, which has a central website that links to all schools in the area. Getting ready also means scoping out those sometimes-wicked drop-off and pick-up lines, and making sure everybody has got the supplies they need. And want. According to the National Retail Federation’s Annual 2024 Back-to-School Survey, families with children in elementary through high school plan to spend an average of $874.68 on clothing, shoes, school supplies, and electronics. The NRF’s survey said they expect $38.8 billion to be spent on school supplies in the United States—the second-highest figure on record. Hot items for teens for fall semester 2024 are North Face backpacks and Vera Bradley lunch bags. (Students at schools that require clear backpacks can still have some fun with colors if they go with a Vorspack.) HIGH SCHOOL DOESN’T HAVE TO BE HORRIBLE Got somebody about to start their freshman year of high school? Here’s some guidance for them, from a teenage neighbor of one of the Idea Specialists™. “For classes keep on track with your work and make sure you have all the supplies you need. Don’t be afraid to ask questions if you don’t know something. Most people are nice and will talk to you if you talk to them. For things to wear be casual, don’t dress up crazy for school. Lastly, keep in mind that learning is important but that’s not what school is all about, have fun and make friends.” Oh,
Belmont at Park Bridge Welcomes the Joys of June & Father’s Day, Works to Heighten Awareness of Alzheimer’s
June brings with it many joys, including Father’s Day and the summer solstice. It also provides the Belmont at Park Bridge upscale apartment home community in Alpharetta, Georgia, with an opportunity to join with others across the country in a show of support of Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month with purple ribbons and purple clothes. In fact, a google search about initiatives of the Alzheimer’s Association reveals that one of them—The Longest Day®—encourages people to “outshine the darkness” of Alzheimer’s disease with a fundraiser of their own choice in connection with the summer solstice, the day of the year with the most light. This year that will be Thursday, June 20. Understanding Alzheimer’s & Dementia Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia, a general term for memory loss and other cognitive abilities serious enough to interfere with daily life, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. It is not considered a normal part of aging, but, rather, a progressive disease. There is no known cure. The Georgia Chapter of the association provides resources and support to all those impacted by the disease. Sharing Stories Sometimes personal stories can help us understand a medical condition that hasn’t affected us directly. The Belmont at Park Bridge Idea Specialists™ were deeply moved by the 2014 movie Still Alice. Starring Julianne Moore, who won a Best Actress Oscar for her portrayal of a linguistics professor with a rare hereditary form of early-onset Alzheimer’s, it’s something you can watch in the privacy and comfort of your luxury apartment home. Another great option for Father’s Day—Sunday, June 16, 2024—is to provide him with the experience of a lifetime. Virgin Experience Gifts has something for every type of dad—foodie, gearhead, adventurer, golfer—you name it! Live, Local & Loud Something else fun to do to celebrate Dad, or the start of summer, would be to take advantage of some of the great live music at the Ameris Bank Amphitheatre at Encore Park. From the Dave Matthews Band on June 12 to Alanis Morisette with Joan Jett & the Blackhearts and Morgan Wade on June 22—with Willie Nelson’s Outlaw Musical Festival in between on June 21—there’s something for everyone! The U.S. Open Finally, it just wouldn’t be a good June blog without a mention of the U.S. Open Golf Championship, being played at No. 2 Pinehurst outside of Raleigh, North Carolina, June 13-16, 2024. It’s always a memorable experience, whether you attend or watch it with a group of friends at Taffer’s Tavern. Father’s Day Fun Sometimes socks just won’t cut it when it comes delighting Dad on his day. The Idea Specialists™ know that they can’t go wrong with the father figures in their lives by giving the gift of a good bourbon, and this year the Master of Malt blog has done a great list of the Top 10 everyone needs to try in 2024. Maker’s Mark Cask Strength Whisky is probably a safe bet, but they’re really intrigued by Heaven’s Door 10 Year Old Redbreast Master Blenders’ Edition Whiskey (it’s got a Bob Dylan connection!).
It’s National Pet Month, & Alpharetta’s Belmont at Park Bridge is Marking the Occasion!
Along with Mother’s Day, graduations, Movie Monday’s at Belmont, and Memorial Day, May marks the occasion of one of our favorite celebrations here at Belmont at Park Bridge in Alpharetta, Georgia. That’s right, it’s National Pet Month! We are definitely a pet-friendly upscale apartment home community, with nearby walking areas and pet stations throughout the property so that you and your furry friends are able to enjoy the outdoors together. Love Is A 4-Legged Word Our Idea Specialists™ consider cat hair to be a fashion accessory and never met a dog they didn’t like. Sot it was a real pleasure for them to spend a little time on the old Google looking for some fun ways to treat themselves and their fur babies. While on the search, they learned that National Pet Week is also a thing, always observed during the first full week of May. It’s sponsored by the Auxiliary to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) to foster responsible pet ownership, recognize the human-animal bond, and increase public awareness of veterinary medicine. Could the theme for 2024 be any better? It’s “Love is 4-legged word.” Hugs and pets all around!! And cookies, dog cookies, too! At Unexpected Pooch in Halcyon, where you also can get high-quality food and supplies for both canines and felines. Gifts For Grads & Moms While the traditional gift of cash to graduates might seem boring, it doesn’t have to be if you put it in a pop-up bouncing gift box filled with confetti. Fun!! The Belmont at Park Bridge Idea Specialists™ some moms themselves, think these packages from Spoonful of Comfort will help the strong feminine presence in your life have a “soup-er” Mother’s Day! (They also understand that you might just be tempted to treat yourself to of their yummy goodies to enjoy in your comfy clothes in the privacy of your own luxury apartment.) And, the Idea Specialist™ also found the perfect combo of pet love and a present for both your favorite moms and favorite grads in a custom watercolor painting on canvas. Just upload a photo of your four-legged friend and Texture of Dreams will do the rest! Flowers & Food After giving Mom some flowers (of course!), you can’t go wrong with taking her out for a special meal on her special day. Awesome Alpharetta has links to different events, shops, and restaurants with Mother’s Day offerings, and South City Kitchen at The Hotel Avalon is featuring a “Sparkling & Sweet Mother’s Day Brunch & Dinner.” Both seatings will include a take-home gift of boxed assorted macaroons. So yummy. So, so yummy, just like their hazelnut chocolate cake, which is one of the dessert selections. Make Memorial Day Memorable The Idea Specialists™ know it might seem a little early in the month to be planning your friends and family Memorial Day gathering by the gorgeous Belmont at Park Bridge resort-style pool or at one of our charming picnic areas, but advance planning is never a bad thing! Speaking of the pool—our team is working hard to have our pool open by Friday, May 24, so we can all enjoy it Memorial Day weekend! Stay tuned… This year, they’re for sure including grilled peach caprese salad on the menu, with the freshest of peaches and tomatoes from the Downtown Alpharetta Famers Market. There are lots of recipes out there for this spring and summer classic, but our group is particularly fond of this one at How Sweet Eats (and not just because food personality and cookbook author Jessica Merchant says glitter is her middle name, LOL). We’re also fond of a nice sangria by the pool, and Southern Living has a great piece on which wines to use for it. If you don’t already have a favorite way to make yours, check out this white sangria on Dinners, Dishes & Desserts. Honoring Their Memory Watching the National Memorial Day Concert, featuring the National Symphony Orchestra with guest performers, is an annual tradition for the Idea Specialists™. The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Joint Chiefs of Staff also participate in the concert, offering their leadership perspective on the value and honor of military service and acknowledging the challenges that veterans and their families face. Always broadcast and streamed by PBS the Sunday night before Memorial Day, the concert honors our country’s veterans, servicemen and women, and military families, and all those who died in America’s wars. Its goal is to unite the country in remembrance and appreciation of those who gave their lives for our nation and serves those who are grieving through the mission put forward by Abraham Lincoln in his second inaugural address, “Let us strive on to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nation’s wounds; to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan.”
MARCH IS NATIONAL READING MONTH & BELMONT AT PARK BRIDGE IS GETTING A LITTLE FREE LIBRARY
PLAN TO ATTEND THE LITTLE FREE LIBRARY DEDICATION FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2024, AT 2:30 P.M.! Belmont at Park Bridge in Alpharetta, Georgia, has some really fun and exciting news—we’re getting our very own Little Free Library! And it’s extra special to our community because it was hand-crafted by Octavio Camejo, one of our maintenance technicians, in his shop. Dedication During National Reading Month The timing for the 2:30 p.m. Friday, March 8, 2024, ribbon-cutting and dedication of our Little Free Library couldn’t be more perfect, because it’s happening during National Reading Month! An effort by the National Education Association (NEA), this is part of Read Across America, the nation’s largest ongoing celebration of reading. The program focuses on motivating children and teens to read through events, partnerships, and reading resources that are about everyone, for everyone. Placing A Premium On Education Part of the reason our residents choose to live at Belmont at Park Bridge is because they place a premium on education, and our upscale apartment community is very close to excellent schools, including Ocee Elementary School, an easy five-minute drive at just a little over a mile away. Of course, reading is one of the very fundamentals of getting a good education. But did you know that there are also positive cognitive and emotional effects of reading on child development? According to the Child Mind Institute, studies have shown that it helps children develop language skills and amass “background knowledge,” build empathy, and learn how to manage challenging feelings. Free Book Sharing Belmont at Park Bridge decided to become the home of a Little Free Library because of its commitment to building a strong community, which is a goal it shares with the nonprofit. The global book-sharing movement got its start in 2009, and since then has expanded to include more than 175,000 libraries in 121 countries. It’s all about inspiring readers and expanding access to books! Why Does Book Access Matter? The United States is facing growing literacy crisis, with more than 30 million members of its adult population unable to read or write above a third-grade level. Studies have repeatedly shown that books in the hands of children have a meaningful impact on improving literacy. The more books in or near the home, the more likely a child will learn and love to read. But two out of three children living in poverty have no books to call their own. Little Free Library book-sharing boxes play an essential role by providing 24/7 access to books (and encouraging a love of reading!), especially in areas where books are scarce. How Does It Work? A Little Free Library is a free book-sharing box where anyone may take a book or share a book. It functions on the honor system. You do not need to share a book in order to take one. If you take a book or two from one, try to bring some to share to that same library, or another in your area, when you can. Registered little libraries have a primary caretaker, called a Little Free Library steward. The steward is usually the person who puts up the library. The steward takes care of basic maintenance like keeping the library clean and inviting, but it is up to everyone who uses the library to keep it stocked with good books. Encourage Reading! We can’t wait to see all the different kinds of books our community members will share through the Little Free Library! And we can’t wait to “get caught reading” by our kids! Children imitate what they see the adults around them do. So, when they see us with a magazine, newspaper, or novel, it tells them that reading is the cool thing to do. Some tips on encouraging reading: Keep books everywhere you spend time. Put them in the car, in every room of your apartment home, and tuck them in backpacks and purses. Make them easily accessible. Visit the library often (in addition to our new Little Free Library!). Knowing how to use the library and learning the benefits of a library fosters a love of reading as well as genuine respect for the services libraries provide. Read to your children. No matter their age, reading aloud strengthens their vocabulary and language skills. It also opens opportunities for discussion. Have your children read to you, too. You never know what you might learn! Mark Your Calendars! Again, the dedication of our special Little Free Library will be Friday, March 8, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. We picked the time to make sure that everybody’s kids would be home from school in time to attend, and it promises to be a fun family affair, complete with festive refreshments! So, mark your calendars and plan to join us then! Sonya Sandoval, Community Manager and the Team at Belmont Park Bridge
